Podcasts about Allegiance

AlabamaSen. Tuberville says he will do whatever it takes to move the SAVE Act forwardA hearing was held this week on bill to close party primariesAnother bill to revamp the PSC was offered in the state senateAL House passes amendment bill re: Pledge of Allegiance and School prayerCity of Lipscomb sues its own mayor for obstructing official businessDirector of Health Freedom Alabama questions the culture of fear and favors within the AL House leadershipNationalPresident Trump orders release of 172M barrels of oil from petroleum reservesFBI warns CA authorities of potential drone attacks from IranSen. Cornyn of TX flips and flops over SAVE Act and filibuster ruleGA judge stops DA Fani Willis from intervening  in legal compensation case of Trump and defendants5th Circuit court hands legal victory to TX teacher on prayer at schoolHouse Oversight had deposition of Jeffrey Epstein accountant and plans to subpoena next a Manhattan prison guard

Supinder Wraich returns to the YVR Screen Scene Podcast to chat all things Allegiance, the wildly popular CBC crime procedural that is both filmed and set in Surrey, British Columbia. Supinder is Sabrina Sohal, a brilliant and empathetic detective in the serious crimes unit of the CFPC who is simultaneously a bright light in her department and a serious threat to anyone who traffics in corruption.There's a lot to love about Allegiance. It's a showcase for Vancouver actors, from veterans like Vincent Gale to Stephen Lobo, to emerging talents like Hudson Williams (yes, Shane Hollander of Heated Rivalry fame). It explores pressing issues like mental illness, addiction, income inequality, xenophobia, and the impact of gang violence on communities and families, without being preachy about any of it. It centres beautifully diverse Surrey as a main character in its own right. Its foundation stone is an intelligent and compassionate women of colour who is at once vulnerable and extremely capable. In short, Allegiance shows us what's possible when we centre hyper-local stories and Canadian talent. Allegiance's third season kicked off in January, and has already served up heart-pounding episodes that touch on drug cartels, serial killers targeting marginalised women, domestic violence, and migrant workers. In this funny and fascinating interview with Sabrina Rani Furminger, Supinder reflects on Sabrina Sohal's journey to date, and also heads down some roads we haven't gone in our previous episodes, namely: the shows that raised us (remember Passions?), what she remembers about working with Hudson Williams in one of his first television roles, and where Sabrina Sohal ends and Supinder Wraich begins. Episode sponsor: Fish Flight Entertainment

The Legislature was back for the 20th day. We'll have the latest from the State House plus an update on the Congressional delegation. Todd welcomes State Rep. Reed Ingram to discuss his legislation to require the Pledge of Allegiance and an hour of student-led prayer in schools.

Greg provides an update from the Alabama Statehouse, focusing on Tuesday's debate on the House floor that ultimately led to the passage of legislation sponsored by Republican Representative Reed Ingram. The bill would require Alabama public schools to begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of prayer.During the program, Greg walks listeners through the key points raised during the debate, the arguments made by supporters and critics, and what the legislation is intended to accomplish for students and schools across the state. He also explains what the bill's passage in the House means for the next step in the legislative process and how it fits into the broader conversation about faith, patriotism, and education in Alabama.

The Steve Gruber Show | Oil Market Chaos, ISIS Threats & the Fight for Secure Elections --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:07 – Dr. Michael Guillén, former ABC News Science Editor and Harvard physics instructor. Guillén discusses The Invisible Everywhere, a new AI-generated documentary exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. The film examines how faith and scientific discovery intersect, with its premiere scheduled for April 8. 28:03 – Tom Simon, spokesperson for Home Title Lock and former FBI Special Agent with 26 years of experience investigating white-collar crime and national security cases. Simon explains a fraud scheme in which a teenager allegedly forged a deed and sold a Burbank home. He discusses how title fraud works and why homeowners should take steps to protect their property. 38:15 - Monologue 47:12 – Cory Brewer, Deputy Counsel at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL). Brewer discusses legal challenges involving gender policies in schools, including secret gender transitions and bathroom access policies. He outlines the legal arguments and ongoing court battles surrounding these issues. 1:06:22 – Rey “R.T.” Trevino, oil and gas expert and head of Pecos Country Energy. Trevino analyzes rising gas prices and the factors driving energy market volatility. He explains how geopolitical tensions and domestic policy decisions can quickly impact fuel costs. 1:16:29 - Monologue 1:25:26 – Katie Heid, News Director at Michigan News Source. Heid reviews several top stories from across Michigan, including a substitute teacher winning the LA Marathon, controversy over a city council member refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, Hillsdale College's commencement speaker announcement, and a state of emergency declared after tornado damage. 1:35:20 – Rep. Cam Cavitt, representing Michigan's 106th House District. Cavitt discusses a Rogers City lemonade stand that was hit with a $57 health department fee, sparking debate over regulations affecting small local activities. He also talks about disaster relief funding following severe storms in Michigan. 1:43:56 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber continues the discussion about regulatory requirements and the growing number of occupational licenses required to work. The segment also explores concerns about modern overstimulation from smartphones and social media, and how constant connectivity may be affecting mental and spiritual well-being. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... The third episode is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/vZiEUjtQ-m4

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Drew Amey from Roanoke, VA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 8:4-6. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one." For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. — 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 We live in a world that tells us we can believe anything, affirm everything, and submit to nothing. Our culture celebrates pluralism—not just diversity of people, but diversity of moral authorities. Competing visions of truth, justice, and identity coexist, each claiming legitimacy and demanding allegiance. Corinth felt the same pressure. It was a city shaped by migration, trade, and constant cultural exchange. Many gods were named. Many lords were honored. Many systems promised meaning and belonging. Paul does not deny this reality. He acknowledges it. "There are many so-called gods and many lords." But then he draws a decisive line. "Yet for us…" That small phrase changes everything. Paul is not arguing that other belief systems do not exist. He is arguing that they do not rule. For followers of Christ, allegiance is not divided. Truth is not negotiated. Authority is not shared. There is one God, the Father—from whom all things come and for whom we exist. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ—through whom all things were made and through whom we live. This is not religious narrowness. It is moral clarity based on the truth of God's Word and revelation. A pluralistic world suggests that multiple systems can define good and evil simultaneously. That identity is self-determined. That justice is endlessly adjustable. That truth evolves with culture. These systems—political, ideological, and moral—do not merely offer opinions. They demand allegiance and thus worship. Paul's point is simple and unavoidable: you can live among many belief systems, but you cannot live under many lords. That is why participation in them is never neutral. What you permit, endorse, normalize, or excuse motions allegiance—whether you intend it or not. Food sacrificed to idols was never just about food. It was about communicating or indicating loyalty or misunderstood loyalty. Jesus does not offer coexistence with rival authorities. He offers coherence. In him, creation, truth, love, justice, and freedom hold together. He does not compete for lordship—he defines Lord and Lordship. In a morally fragmented world, the answer is not retreat or rage. It is allegiance. One God. One Lord. One allegiance. DO THIS: Identify one belief, habit, or cultural pressure that subtly competes for your allegiance and intentionally place it under the authority of Christ. ASK THIS: 1. Where am I tempted to divide my allegiance between Jesus and cultural values? 2. What systems most shape my sense of justice, identity, or truth? 3. How does Jesus' lordship clarify the choices I make? PRAY THIS: Father, I confess how easily my allegiance drifts. Anchor my heart in You alone. Teach me to live under one Lord, one truth, and one authority—Jesus Christ. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Be Thou My Vision"

“…and justice for all.” For as long as any of us can remember, those four words signaled the start of the school day, the VBS opening assembly, and every Boy Scout or Girl Scout meeting. Chances are, even if those words weren't part of our Pledge of Allegiance, our desire for justice is still deeply ingrained. “…and justice for all.”For as long as any of us can remember, those four words signaled the start of the school day, the VBS opening assembly, and every Boy Scout or Girl Scout meeting. Chances are, even if those words weren't part of our Pledge of Allegiance, our desire for justice is still deeply ingrained.” –A car that sped by you gets pulled over by a state trooper — justice. –The neighbor who never edges his sidewalk finally gets fined by the HOA — justice. –Your boss pays attention to the extra hours you've been putting in, and you get the promotion — justice. But what happens when you're the offender? You forget to return something you borrowed. You get caught driving solo in the HOV lane. There's an honest mistake on your tax return. Suddenly, your cry for justice becomes a plea for mercy. How does God balance it all? Can the same God be both just and merciful? He can. He does. He has. He will. What may be an impossible balance of character for man is the true nature and essence of who God is. The post GOD IS: UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTER OF GOD – God Is Just (YOU-Spr’26, Study 1, Session 3) appeared first on YOU.

What do you actually mean when you say the Pledge of Allegiance? And are you still willing to mean it? For years, Corey stood in silence during the Pledge of Allegiance, troubled by what looked too much like idol worship. Then something shifted. Reading the words instead of performing them, he realized the pledge was never about the flag or the man holding the office. It was about the republic for which it stands. In a moment when that republic is under genuine pressure, this episode is about the difference between supporting a policy and cheering the dismantling of the constitutional constraints that govern how it gets carried out. Those are not the same thing, and the confusion between them is where democracies go wrong. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey's Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Republic, Not Ruler: The Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge to a constitutional order, not to a flag, a party, or a person. Reading those words carefully changes everything about what it means to say them. Policy vs. Method: You can support stronger border enforcement and still insist on due process. You can back economic protectionism and still insist Congress holds the commerce power. Supporting a goal is not a blank check for any method of achieving it. Article I Is Not Ambiguous: The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war and regulate commerce with foreign nations. This isn't interpretation. It's the plain text, and conservative and liberal scholars alike have been raising the alarm for years. The Gap Is Real: Trump won with just under 51% of the vote. His approval is now below 40%. That gap consists of real people who voted for a sane border policy and lower grocery prices, and are now watching something different. They are not the same people as those applauding masked agents conducting raids with minimal judicial oversight. Authoritarianism Begins with Exceptions: It doesn't begin with troops in the streets. It begins when citizens decide constitutional limits are optional when the right person is in charge. That logic, extended to the next administration, is what's actually on the table. Jonathan Rauch Said the Word: One of the most careful, fair-minded political thinkers in America, someone who literally wrote the book defending free inquiry from both the left and the right, used the word "fascism" for the first time after concluding the resemblances had become too many and too strong to deny. The question isn't whether he went too far. The question is why so many others are still hesitating. A Declaration, Not a Reflex: What was once a civic ritual has become something else. Saying those words in a moment when the republic is under pressure is not nationalism. It's resistance. Links and Resources David French (referenced) Constitutional scholar, First Amendment advocate, columnist - www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/opinion/trump-iran-congress-approval.html Jonathan Rauch (referenced) Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought — press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html Yes, It's Fascism - www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/america-fascism-trump-maga-ice/685751/ Justice Neil Gorsuch (referenced) Concurrence in the recent tariff case, arguing for the constitutional role of Congress as deliberative body - www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/24-1287#writing-24-1287_CONCUR_5 Connect with Us Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today's conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.

What do you actually mean when you say the Pledge of Allegiance? And are you still willing to mean it? For years, Corey stood in silence during the Pledge of Allegiance, troubled by what looked too much like idol worship. Then something shifted. Reading the words instead of performing them, he realized the pledge was never about the flag or the man holding the office. It was about the republic for which it stands. In a moment when that republic is under genuine pressure, this episode is about the difference between supporting a policy and cheering the dismantling of the constitutional constraints that govern how it gets carried out. Those are not the same thing, and the confusion between them is where democracies go wrong. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey's Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Republic, Not Ruler: The Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge to a constitutional order, not to a flag, a party, or a person. Reading those words carefully changes everything about what it means to say them. Policy vs. Method: You can support stronger border enforcement and still insist on due process. You can back economic protectionism and still insist Congress holds the commerce power. Supporting a goal is not a blank check for any method of achieving it. Article I Is Not Ambiguous: The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war and regulate commerce with foreign nations. This isn't interpretation. It's the plain text, and conservative and liberal scholars alike have been raising the alarm for years. The Gap Is Real: Trump won with just under 51% of the vote. His approval is now below 40%. That gap consists of real people who voted for a sane border policy and lower grocery prices, and are now watching something different. They are not the same people as those applauding masked agents conducting raids with minimal judicial oversight. Authoritarianism Begins with Exceptions: It doesn't begin with troops in the streets. It begins when citizens decide constitutional limits are optional when the right person is in charge. That logic, extended to the next administration, is what's actually on the table. Jonathan Rauch Said the Word: One of the most careful, fair-minded political thinkers in America, someone who literally wrote the book defending free inquiry from both the left and the right, used the word "fascism" for the first time after concluding the resemblances had become too many and too strong to deny. The question isn't whether he went too far. The question is why so many others are still hesitating. A Declaration, Not a Reflex: What was once a civic ritual has become something else. Saying those words in a moment when the republic is under pressure is not nationalism. It's resistance. Links and Resources David French (referenced) Constitutional scholar, First Amendment advocate, columnist - www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/opinion/trump-iran-congress-approval.html Jonathan Rauch (referenced) Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought — press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo18140749.html Yes, It's Fascism - www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/america-fascism-trump-maga-ice/685751/ Justice Neil Gorsuch (referenced) Concurrence in the recent tariff case, arguing for the constitutional role of Congress as deliberative body - www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/24-1287#writing-24-1287_CONCUR_5 Connect with Us Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today's conversation possible. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.

In every generation, believers face the question Joshua posed to Israel: "Choose this day whom you will serve." The tension today is not whether we serve God at all, but whether our primary allegiance belongs to Christ or to competing identities. In this teaching, Joseph Mattera addresses the growing confusion surrounding identity, culture, politics, ethnicity, and loyalty. While these realities shape our experiences, they must never define our ultimate allegiance. The Kingdom of God transcends every secondary identity. When culture becomes primary, the gospel becomes compromised. This episode explores what it means to choose the house of the Lord above all else—to place Christ above ethnicity, above political affiliation, above family traditions, and above personal preference. True discipleship begins when our identity is rooted first and foremost in Christ. If you desire clarity in a time of polarization and pressure, this message will challenge you to realign your allegiance and reaffirm your covenant with the Lord.

Bradley Whitford, a classically trained stage actor, gained fame as “Josh Lyman,” on NBC's 'The West Wing,' which earned him his first Emmy award in 2001. He went on to win Emmys in 2015 and 2019 for his work in 'Transparent' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' and is grateful to have had the opportunity last year to direct the show's fifth season penultimate episode, “Allegiance.” He is currently filming “The Diplomat” alongside his West Wing co- star, Allison Janney. Whitford appeared in AMC's limited series 'Parish' alongside Giancarlo Esposito, a drama about a taxi driver whose life is upended after picking up a Zimbabwean gangster. He also starred in the independent film 'I'll Be Right' There with Edie Falco and completed work on Netflix's limited series 'The Madness,' opposite Colman Domingo. He is also known for his work in the Oscar-nominated films 'Get Out,' 'The Post,' 'Scent of a Woman,' and Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'tick, tick… BOOM!' Whitford also produced the documentary, 'Not Going Quietly,' about the life of progressive activist Ady Barkan. Other notable film credits include Warner Bros' 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters,' Disney's 'Saving Mr. Banks,' and HBO's Lyndon B. Johnson biopic, 'All The Way,' among many others.  TV credits include Apple TV+'s 'Echo 3,' NBC's 'Perfect Harmony,' which he executive produced and starred in; FOX/Netflix's 'Brookline Nine-Nine,' Showtime's 'Happy-ish,' ABC's 'Trophy Wife,' CBS' 'The Mentalist,' FOX's 'The Good Guys,' and NBC's 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,' among others. Growing up in Wisconsin, Whitford studied theater and English literature at Wesleyan University and attended the Juilliard Theater Center. He has appeared on Broadway in Aaron Sorkin's 'A Few Good Men' and in 'Boeing, Boeing' with Mark Rylance. Off-Broadway credits include 'Curse of the Starving Class,' 'Measure for Measure' at Lincoln Center, and 'Three Days of Rain' at Manhattan Theatre Club. Regional credits include the title role in 'Coriolanus' at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., and Oberon and Theseus in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Hartford Stage. In 2021, Whitford starred in the Old Vic's production of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles as “Ebenezer Scrooge.” Also at the Ahmanson, in 2023, Whitford recently played the scene-stealing “Narrator” in the hit farce 'Peter Pan Goes Wrong.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Embrace Sunday Gathering (March 01, 2026 at 11am)Embrace Church, Lexington, KYSongs:Good GodHouse of God ForeverRevelation SongIs He WorthySermon: Revelation (Part 7): Worship and Allegiance by John GallaherNeed prayer? prayer@embraceyourcity.com

Embrace Sunday Gathering (March 01, 2026 at 11am)Embrace Church, Lexington, KYSermon: Revelation (Part 7): Worship and Allegiance by John GallaherNeed prayer? prayer@embraceyourcity.com

Following Jesus requires a massive shift in our allegiance as we rely on His grace to put off living for ourselves and to put on living for Him every day.

Following Jesus requires a massive shift in our allegiance as we rely on His grace to put off living for ourselves and to put on living for Him every day.

Hello to you listening in Olympia, Washington! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga. I am a storyteller of the old school. What do I mean? For over 30 years I've taught (and continue to teach) my clients and students the same thing: “Put down the paper and nobody gets hurt!” Why? Because storytellers have something to say that comes from their aliveness, which is what people most want to feel and connect with. Sharing our stories out loud brings them to light and life, and  encourages us to do what most folks fear more than snakes: stand up and speak up in public.   Story spoken aloud is what we leave of ourselves in another person. A story is an intimate lasting legacy, a permanent inheritance much like a vow or an oath. When we share our stories out loud, we connect with each other, we belong to each other. We might not realize it but we are creating a verbal promise, a vow, an oath of belonging. Think about how many times we've heard  someone say, "Repeat after me: I solemnly swear..." Marrying couples pledge faithfulness through the challenges and joys of marriage. Lawyers uphold the law, maintain client confidentiality, and act as an officer of the court. Doctors focus on ethics, patient care and societal responsibilities. Politicians preserve and defend the Constitution. US military support and defend the Constitution against all enemies. Immigrants becoming US citizens swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a formal naturalization ceremony. From the time we are children in school we recite The Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic promise of loyalty to the United States flag and the republic for which it stands. What happens when we share our stories out loud? They become real. We say what we mean, we mean what we say. We—and those hearing us—know what we stand for and what we won't stand for. Yes, you might write a story but it needs to be shared out loud to enrich and include the wider world. That's the legacy of the stories we leave in those who have heard them spoken aloud. CTA:  If you'd like to learn more, email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net for a no obligation Discovery Call. And thank you for listening!  You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts Music: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Plus what we're looking forward to in 2026.The Skywalker saga may be over, but there are enough books to keep Star Wars fans satisfied for years to come. Chad, Ryan, and Beth have started a series to keep you up to date on all the action. Join our book club as we run down the best that canon, legends, and comics have to offer.Music by Lester Dragstredt of The Mystery Men?Facebook

Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyTitle: "What are the key ingredients to the life God calls us to live?"Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24 NIVHebrews 7Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.God reveals himself as our rescuing King and eternal Priest and calls us to wholehearted allegiance.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONFree the Hostages"ON JUNE 27, 1976, armed operatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) surprised the twelve crew members of an Air France jetliner and its ninety-one passengers, hijacking it to a destination unknown.The plane was tracked heading for Central Africa, where indeed it did land under the congenial auspices of then Ugandan President Idi Amin. And there it remained apparently secure at Entebbe Airport, where the hijackers spent the next seven days preparing for their next move. The hijackers were by all estimations in the driver's seat.However, 2,500 miles away in Tel Aviv three Israeli C-130 Hercules transports were secretly boarded by a deadly force of Israeli commandos who within hours attacked Entebbe under cover of darkness. In less than sixty minutes the commandos rushed the old terminal, gunned down the hijackers, and rescued 110 of the 113 hostages. A few days later, July 4, Israel's Premier Yitzhak Rabin triumphantly declared the mission "will become a legend"—which it surely has.' Israel's resolve and stealth in liberating her people is admired by her friends and begrudged by her enemies.Actually, Israel's resolve is nothing new because the same quality can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the Hebrew nation in the prowess of their father Abraham. The kidnappers in his day (the Middle Bronze Age) were an international coalition of four eastern kings headed by King Chedorlaomer who attacked the Transjordan, defeating the city states of Sodom and her neighbors, carrying off a large number of hostages That included Abram's nephew Lot." -Hughes, p. 213CONTEXTWe've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith.Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it.Genesis 13 contrasts Abram's faith-shaped restraint with Lot's sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God's covenant faithfulness.In Genesis 14 we see the first recorded battle in scripture. We meet Melchizedek, and we see Abram draw encouragement from Melchizedek and rest in what God has said.There's a powerful lesson for us here.SERMONReview from Genesis 12:1-3:God Is the Initiator of RedemptionGod Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand HimGod's Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is MissionalGod Promises to Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & PlacesGod's People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and WitnessBottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.Outline (help from Outline Bible):I. THE COURAGE OF ABRAM (14:1-16)A. The villains (14:1-11)The rebellion (14:1-4): Five Canaanite city-states rebel against Kedorlaomer of Elam.The retaliation (14:5-11): Kedorlaomer and his allies defeat the armies of the five city-states, plunder their cities, and carry many people away as slaves. B. The victim (14:12): Lot, now living in Sodom, is taken away as a slave.C. The victory (14:13-16)Abram's army (14:13-14): Upon learning of Lot's capture, Abram and his 318 trained servants ride out to rescue Lot.Abram's attack (14:15): Abram divides his men and initiates a surprise attack at night.Abram's achievements (14:16): Kedorlaomer is defeated, and Lot is rescued. II. THE COMMUNION OF ABRAM (14:17-24)A. The godly and priestly king of Salem (14:17-20): As he is returning from battle to his home in Hebron, Abram meets Melchize-dek, who blesses him. Abram offers him a tenth of all the goods he has recovered from Kedorlaomer.B. The godless and perverted king of Sodom (14:21-24): In stark contrast, Abram refuses to have any fellowship with Bera, king of wicked Sodom.My notes on Gen 14:This sermon is sort of a part 2 to last week. Abram rescues Lot and co.--people, possessions and all. And he's met by two kings upon his return: Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. (Name?) Sodom's king can only see that his losses are back and he can get back at least some of them, thanks to Abram, who rightly deserves the spoils of war. He is consumed by what he can see. So he asks for some of it back, though he deserves none of it. Melchizedek, however, is a mystery. He is there for Abram at a moment when he's tempted to also get seduced by what he can see. But he finds in Mel a kindred spirit of sorts. Actually, he finds a type of Christ. This type of Christ behaves very much like Christ. He blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon and praises El Elyon for what he did. He honors the greater even as he blesses the lessor. He also blesses Abram and his men with bread and wine. Could this be a whisper to a future Last Supper?Lot, fresh off his rescue, could easily be taking all of this in. He's no doubt glad to be alive. He is thinking of all his losses. He believes that Abram will restore his fortunes. He's focused on what he lost...what he could see and some of it he can still see. We know this because he follows the king of Sodom back to the city. He doesn't rest in what God has said. He's now further from that than he's ever been. Abram, inspired by another person who knows El Elyon, rests in the promises of God and eludes the temptation to dwell on what he can see. He tithes 10% of it to Mel, tells Sodom to give his allies their portion for helping, and surrenders the rest back to Sodom, with the possible invitation for any of the rescued people to join him in his growing clan. It appears none take him up on it.We're back to the contrast between Abram and Lot; a promise of God and a pile of possessions. Abram chooses well, helped by a mysterious king of righteousness, king of peace and priest of a different priesthood. This mysterious priest shows up right when Abram needs him. He leads with generous gifts followed by blessings to Abram and adoration to El Elyon. This is where we are as well. But we don't have a type of Christ showing up to help us right when we need him. We have Christ himself. And he showed up on a Roman cross and shows up for us every day at the right hand of the Father interceding for us in our need. So the next time you're tempted, like I have been for over a week, to feel sorry for yourself, remember that it only would have been worse if he'd not been praying for you.Chat GPT notes:Abram rescues Lot. (Temp salvation)Abram meets a Priest-King. (Melchizedek appears)Abram worships through giving. (Recognizes divine favor and responds)Abram refuses King of Sodom. (Allegiance clarified)Jesus is the better Melchizedek:Ultimate rescueEternal priesthoodCalls for total allegianceClosing illustrationHow many of you heard/saw last week's message? I've never gotten so much positive feedback on a message in my life. It's just like God to take someone battling the temptation to have his own pity party to do something like that. God is faithful.What's sad is that there were people online and on-site who heard the message last week and yet didn't get a thing out of it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. How can that be? Life-changine for one--Apathetic sigh for the other. Who's that on?Abram and Lot were a part of the same war and rescue. But one of them turned away from what God said and went back to the wicked city that was defeated just days before. Like a dog returning to his vomit.The other turned towards the God of promise: El Elyon. The God Most High. No, not high on a joint--high on his holy hill; holy throne; in his holy temple.What about you?CONCLUSIONBottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be."Abram rescued Lot from four kings.Jesus rescues us from sin and death.Abram met a priest who blessed him.We have a Priest who intercedes forever.Abram gave a tenth.We give our whole lives.Abram refused Sodom's reward.We refuse a kingdom that is passing away.Because our King is also our Priest." -ChatGPTINVITATIONPeter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESThis is an important theological distinction—especially as you preach through Genesis and encounter figures like Melchizedek in Genesis 14.Let me define the categories carefully and then contrast them.1️⃣ What Is aType of Christ?A type (Greek: typos) is a historical person, event, or institution intentionally designed by God to foreshadow Christ.It is:Real historySymbolically patternedForward-pointingIncomplete without ChristThe type is not Jesus Himself.It is a divinely embedded preview.Key Characteristics of a TypeHistorical realityEscalation or fulfillment in ChristOften clarified by later ScriptureAnalogical, not identicalBiblical ExamplesAdamPaul explicitly calls Adam a “type” of Christ (Romans 5:14).Adam = representative head → Christ = greater representative head.MelchizedekHebrews 7 presents Melchizedek as a type:King of righteousnessKing of peacePriest of God Most HighWithout recorded genealogyBut Hebrews never says Melchizedek was Christ — he was “made like” the Son of God (Heb 7:3).JosephRejected brother → exalted savior → forgives those who wronged him.A clear Christ-pattern.Definition:A type of Christ is a God-ordained historical shadow that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.2️⃣ What Is aPre-Incarnate Christ (Christophany)?A Christophany is an actual appearance of the Son of God before the incarnation.It is:A real manifestationPersonal and divineNot symbolicThe second Person of the Trinity appearing visiblyThis is not foreshadowing — this is presence.Classic Christophany TextsAngel of the LORDIn several passages:Speaks as GodReceives worshipForgives sinIdentifies Himself as YahwehExamples:Genesis 16 (Hagar)Genesis 22 (Abraham and Isaac)Exodus 3 (burning bush)Judges 13 (Manoah)Many evangelical theologians conclude this is the pre-incarnate Son.The “Commander of the Lord's Army” (Joshua 5)Accepts worship. Identifies ground as holy.Definition:A Christophany is a real, pre-incarnate appearance of the eternal Son of God.3️⃣ The Core DifferencesType of ChristChristophanySymbolic foreshadowingActual divine appearanceHuman or eventDivine manifestationPoints forward to ChristIs ChristIncompleteFully divine presenceAnalogical resemblanceOntological identity4️⃣ The Melchizedek Question (Critical for Your Genesis 14 Preaching)Some argue Melchizedek was a Christophany.But Hebrews 7 does not say he was the Son of God — it says:“He is made like the Son of God.”That language supports typology, not incarnation.Hebrews is arguing:Jesus is not in the order of Aaron.He is in the order of Melchizedek.Melchizedek prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood.If Melchizedek were literally Christ, the argument collapses.You can't be “in the order of” yourself.So for Genesis 14:Melchizedek is best understood as a type.The Angel of the LORD passages are stronger candidates for Christophany.OUTLINESSECTION OUTLINE SEVEN (HEBREWS 7) The author identifies and equates the priesthood of Jesus with that of Melchizedek. I. A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:1-3) A. The person of Melchizedek (7:1 a, 2b-3)Who he was (7:2b): His name means "king of justice," and he was also the "king of peace."What he did (7:1a): He was both priest and king over the city of Salem.Where he came from (7:3): There is no record of either his birth or his death. B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1b-2a)B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1 b-2a)The battle (7:2a): Following the defeat of his enemies, Abraham met Melchizedek and paid tithes to him.The blessing (7:1 b): Melchizedek blessed Abraham.II. A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:4-28): The author lists the various characteristics of Jesus, who, according to the Father's decree, is to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (see Ps. 110:4). Thus, his priesthood would be: A. Royal (as was that of Melchizedek) (see 7:1) B. Superior (7:4-10)To whom? (7:5-7): To Levi, founder of the levitical priesthood.Why? (7:4, 8-10)a. Abraham was the ancestor of Levi (7:9). b. The yet unborn Levi thus tithed to Melchizedek while still in the loins of Abraham (7:4, 8, 10). C. Independent (7:11-15)Independent of the law (7:11-12).Independent of the tribe of Levi (7: 13-15): Christ came from the tribe of Judah. D. Everlasting (7:16-17) E. Guaranteed (7:20-22): The Father himself took an oath concerning this. F. Continuous (7:23) G. Permanent (7:24) H. Holy (7:26) I. All-sufficient (7:18-19, 25, 27) J. Flawless (7:28)QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION Here's the revised YouTube description, with the preacher and links cleanly integrated and placed where viewers expect them:Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyMessage Title: What Are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live?Scripture: Genesis 14:1–24 (NIV); Hebrews 7Preacher: Darien GabrielWhat does it look like to live the life God calls us to live—especially when we're surrounded by temptation, fear, and competing allegiances?In Genesis 14, Abram steps into the first recorded battle in Scripture to rescue his nephew Lot. But the real battle isn't fought with swords—it's fought in the heart. Upon returning victorious, Abram is met by two kings and faced with two radically different offers. One tempts him with visible reward and fleeting gain. The other blesses him in the name of El Elyon—God Most High.This mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, brings bread and wine, speaks blessing, and points Abram back to the promises of God. Hebrews 7 later reveals that Melchizedek is not just a historical figure—but a powerful signpost pointing forward to Jesus Christ, our eternal King and Priest.In this message, we explore:Why resting in what God has said is essential to faithful livingHow righteousness, peace, and blessing flow from wholehearted allegiance to GodThe contrast between living by sight (Lot) and living by faith (Abram)Why Jesus is the better Melchizedek—our ultimate rescuer and eternal intercessorBottom Line:When we rest in what God has said, we walk in His key ingredients—righteousness, peace, and blessing—so that we might be a blessing to the nations, just as He created us to be.If you're feeling torn between what you can see and what God has promised, this message invites you to lift your eyes—and your allegiance—to the King who is also our Priest.

This week, Rich and Dan talk all things doubles tournament as one, perhaps even two of the podcast's team manage to podium at a doubles event called Honour That Allegiance. A GBHL 80 set at the Outpost in Sheffield (UK). https://linktr.ee/ahobbitspodcast

We are only weeks into 2026, and the emotional weight of headlines, scandals, tragedies, and cultural conflict already feels overwhelming. In this episode of Wisdom's Table, Rachel tackles a question many believers are quietly wrestling with: What does God actually expect from us when the world is swept into outrage? This conversation explores the spiritual dynamics behind outrage culture, the difference between righteous conviction and emotional exhaustion, and how Christians can guard their hearts without becoming disengaged from real problems. Rachel walks through biblical wisdom from Proverbs, reflects on Jesus flipping tables in the temple, and challenges listeners to discern when to speak, when to act, and when to step back. Instead of being pulled into mob mentality or endless news cycles, believers are invited to focus on advancing the Kingdom of God with clarity, courage, and peace. If you have felt emotionally drained by headlines, frustrated by leadership failures, or unsure when to use your voice, this episode will help you reset your perspective and refocus your energy on what truly matters.   Want to go to the next level? Jump on my email list for powerful weekly emails designed to fuel your faith and business. JOIN HERE   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Intro and welcome to Wisdom's Table 00:48 — Why this episode is different 02:05 — The emotional weight of the 2026 news cycle 03:40 — Headlines that are shaping collective outrage 06:05 — We were not designed to carry the weight of everything 07:35 — What God asks of us when outrage appears 08:50 — Proverbs 29:11 and venting your spirit 10:10 — Allegiance to the Kingdom of God 12:05 — Parenting perspective and political conversations 13:40 — “Jesus flipped tables” in context 16:10 — The danger of mob mentality 17:45 — Leadership, accountability, and exposure in the Church 19:15 — Constantine and the historical lesson for believers 20:35 — Practical step 1: Know your lane 21:40 — Practical step 2: Take real action 22:50 — Prayer, giving, and engagement that matters 23:40 — Final encouragement and closing

In this episode, we confront a common—but incomplete—view of Jesus. Many of us have embraced Him as Savior—sin forgiver, debt payer, ticket to heaven—while missing the dominant message of the New Testament: Jesus as King. The word Χριστός (Christos), translated “Christ,” wasn't originally a last name—it was a royal title meaning “Anointed One.” From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus announced the arrival of God's reign and rule. His core message was clear: The time has come. Repent. Seek first the kingdom. We unpack repentance not as guilt-driven shame, but as a thoughtful change of mind—a shift in allegiance. In a world where people were forced to pledge loyalty to Rome, Jesus offered a better King. One who serves instead of being served. One who sacrifices instead of demanding sacrifice. At the root of our resistance to surrender is distrust—the ancient lie that God cannot be trusted with our deepest happiness. That's why Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” God's reign advances wherever His will is lived out through us. So the question becomes: Where are you resisting King Jesus? What are you holding onto? Because whatever you refuse to surrender may actually be ruling you. Jesus didn't just come to save you from something—He came to lead you into life under the good and trustworthy rule of a perfect King. Topics Covered: -The royal meaning of “Christ” -Repentance as a shift in allegiance -Jesus' upside-down model of kingship -Why trust is at the center of surrender -What it means to seek first the kingdom Read along with our chosen scripture: Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:9–10, 25, 31–33 The Main Idea: People all over the world claim to be Christian, based on a belief that Jesus is the ultimate king. But at times, we can find ourselves living in defiance of the very king we swear allegiance to. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Send a texthttps://www.bookclues.comTell a friend about CROSS WORD BOOK Podcast-the podcast for the serious readerThink misinformation started with the internet? We rewind five centuries to watch it form in real time. With historian Matthew Restall, we separate the historic Christopher Columbus from the patriotic mascot and the Italian American symbol, and we track how printing presses, royal propaganda, immigration waves, and modern media each remixed one navigator into many icons. The result isn't a takedown or a hagiography—it's a sharper lens for seeing how belief sneaks in where evidence thins.We start by reframing Columbus within the bustling Atlantic world of the late 1400s: thousands of mariners, evolving ship design, and trade winds honed by experience. The first voyage made headlines; the second changed history by hardwiring Europe and the Americas together. Along the way, we challenge the empty-ocean myth, revisit the Barcelona court moment, and follow the often-misunderstood roles of the Pinzón brothers. Restall explains why loaded terms like genocide demand precision and how catastrophic disease spread complicates tidy moral scripts without erasing responsibility.Then we open the myth factory. Columbus's own ambition—rebranding Cristoforo Colombo as Don Cristóbal Colón—set the stage for centuries of speculation about origins and loyalties. The “biography” credited to his son turns out to be a stitched, translated palimpsest that fueled later legends. We map the rise of Columbiana in 1892, link patriotic rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance to that wave, and show how statues and holidays became proxies for debates over identity, nationhood, and migration. By disentangling the historic sailor from the symbols built atop him, we model a way to trade faith history for evidence—and to read today's culture wars with cooler eyes.If you're ready to move beyond hot takes and into clear context—without losing the drama of discovery—press play. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us which Columbus you were taught and which one you see now.Find Professor Restall.     https://matthewrestall.com/W. W. Norton & Company  https://wwnorton.com/

We press into a simple claim with big consequences: we are stewards, not owners. Through Luke 16, we draw a straight line from money habits to eternal impact and call our church to thoughtful, urgent, and joyful generosity aimed at people.• The mindset of stewardship over ownership• Luke 16's shrewd manager and eternal awareness• Faithfulness with little leading to true riches• Intentional generosity that builds relationships• Rejecting cynicism and resourcing real impact• Testimony: funding a girls' home in Israel• Planting harvest, not building portfolios• Allegiance to Christ rather than money• Practical rhythms for giving and formation

Scripture: Ephesians 6:24+ What you love most is the most important thing about you.“According to Augustine, ‘There is a scale of value stretching from earthly to heavenly realities, from the visible to the invisible; and the inequality between these goods makes possible the existence of them all.' God is one thing, angels are another, as are people, terriers, red oaks, squash, rocks, and dirt. Each item fits in God's overall scheme of creation. The nature of things in the hierarchy is unchangeable, and so is the kind of satisfaction it can provide when we are related to it through love. Because of these actual differences in things, the outcome of loving each actual thing will be different. There is a divinely designed fit between our needs, the character of the things that can satisfy them, and the way we should love them in order to be satisfied. Even though each thing God made is good, delightful, legitimate, and a source of satisfaction as an object of our love, we "must not expect more from it than its unique nature can provide." We must give love and praise to things apportioned to their worth. - David K Naugle, Re-Ordered Loves; Re-ordered Lives."Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship...is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things—if they are where you tap real meaning in life—then you will never have enough. Never feel you have enough. It's the truth. Worship your own body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly, and when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally plant you...Worship power—you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep the fear at bay. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart—you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out." - David Foster Wallace + What does it mean to love Jesus?-       Adoration - thinking highly of Jesus.-       Affection - feeling deeply for Jesus.-       Allegiance - following faithfully after Jesus.Matthew 10:37–38“All of Christ is to be loved, and He is to be loved above all.” John Gill.Revelation 2:1-5Psalm 34:8 (NIV)+ ExaminePsalm 32:1–5 (NIV)+ Exercise+ Encounter

Super Bowl Parody Songs: This is what AI is taking away from us, now we get AI slop instead of retard slop.Pat Riot: Any time we have the opportunity to check in with the old Pat Riot songs, we have to do it.Corey's Twitter: We circle back to Corey's Twitter for all the unhinged goodness.FUCK YOU WATCH THIS!, THE BEAR1, VANESSA CARLTON!, 1000 MILES!, SKINBONE!, 100 MILES!, REMIX!, ALLEGIANCE!, PRO-ISRAEL!, WRITING ON THE WALL!, SUPER BOWL PARODY SONGS!, AI SONGS!, PARODY SONGS DYING BREED!, WHAT THEY TOOK FROM US!, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS!, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!, BRUNO MARS COVER!, HOT WINGS!, AI MUSIC!, SLOP!, BUFFALO CHICKEN WING!, SPICY!, CRISPY!, MINECRAFT!, SPEEDRUNS!, WHOLE DIFFERENT SUBSET!, GENERAL FOOTBALL!, TIKTOK COMEDY!, MONOLOGUE JOKES!, HOOK HAND!, SUPER BOWL REDEMPTION!, HAWKS LOCKDOWN!, TERMINATOR!, THA BEARS!, SNL!, PAT RIOT!, WHO'S GONNA START A RIOT!, AGE!, RAVAGED BY TIME!, SUPER BOWL 49!, LVL UP EXPO!, MICHAEL ROOKER!, COREY'S TWITTER!, SOCK PUPPET ACCOUNTS!, BURNER!, UNHINGED!, RADIO RODDY!, EPSTEIN!, DIDY!, TEENY BOPPER!, SMOKE SCREEN!, SHIELD!, SWEET PUSSY!, RUBBING ITSELF! You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!

Exploring the Connection Between Matthew 16 and Nehemiah For BibleInTen.com - By DH, 14th February 2026 Welcome back to Bible in Ten! Today, we have another bonus episode as our daily commentary from CG at the Superior Word rounds off Matthew Chapter 16. Matthew's Gospel contains 28 chapters, and remarkably, it mirrors the first 28 books of the Old Testament as arranged in the Christian Bible. So in this episode, having considered Matthew 16, we'll now look at its fascinating counterpart: Book 16 of the Old Testament-Nehemiah. Nehemiah (נְחֶמְיָה / Nechemyah) means “Yah comforts.” That is appropriate because the whole book is comfort through restoration after judgment. Nehemiah functions as a historical “control text,” showing an established covenant pattern that Matthew 16 then re-presents prophetically (while still being literal history in Jesus' life, confirmed by the other Gospel writers).  Isn't the Word of God Amazing?! Let us now take a look at 12 connections which which support the summary of the chapter as detailed in the previous episode.     Unlike pairings between Matthew 14 with 2 Chronicles—where the correspondence spans a wider sweep of history across multiple dispensational stages—the Matthew 16 / Nehemiah pairing is compressed into a narrower prophetic frame (the tribulation-period restoration conflict) and does not proceed step by step.  The lack of a perfectly locked step-by-step sequence is itself instructive.   In Matthew 14 the picture maps a long, ordered panorama where chronology matters as it spans events across Israel's history from the dispensation of law to and prophetic future carries a clearer, more sequential structure. .. But in the Matthew 16 / Nehemiah pairing—focused on the tribulation—Scripture is not chiefly giving a detailed internal timetable; it is giving the shape of the period.   So lets turn to that shape now with these 12 steps. A Demand for a Sign and the First Opposition Matthew 16 opens with the Pharisees and Sadducees coming together to test Jesus, demanding a “sign from heaven.” It is leadership pressure-religious power trying to control the terms. Nehemiah opens with the same kind of pressure appearing as soon as restoration is announced. When Nehemiah arrives with authorization to rebuild, opposition rises immediately: Sanballat and Tobiah are “grieved” that someone came to seek Israel's good (Nehemiah 2:10). They then laugh and scorn: “What is this thing that ye do?” (2:19) The pattern is consistent: when God moves to restore, the entrenched powers demand proof, challenge legitimacy, and attempt to intimidate the work before it begins. “You Can Read the Sky… But Not the Times” Jesus says they can interpret the sky, but they cannot discern “the signs of the times.” The irony is that the very men claiming insight are the ones blind to what God is doing. Nehemiah carries that same irony in restoration form. The enemies act as if they understand the situation and control the outcome—mocking, threatening, and plotting as though the work will collapse on their schedule. But they do not know what's really happening. Their blindness shows in this: they only learn after the fact that their plan has been uncovered. In Nehemiah —“when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought…” (Nehemiah 4:15). They thought they were the ones reading the moment, but they were misreading it completely. The builders knew; the enemies did not. And once the plot was exposed, the intimidation lost its power and the work continued. The Sign of Judgment Remembered With the coming of the end times, the leaders of Israel would be expected to understand the situation they are in—but in Matthew 16 they are shown as unable to read it. Jesus calls them “wicked and adulterous” and says no sign will be given except “the sign of the prophet Jonah.” In the previous episode we learned that, Jonah's “Yet forty days” becomes a prophetic template—forty as judgment time—fulfilled in the temple's destruction about forty years after Christ, and then the long exile that followed. The end-times petition is therefore not, “wait for a new sign,” but: look back, read your history through Scripture, and believe. Nehemiah begins with that same mechanism already in place. The “sign” is not in the sky; it is in the city. Jerusalem stands as a covenant witness—broken, burned, and shamed: “the wall of Jerusalem… broken down, and the gates… burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). And crucially, Nehemiah interprets that ruin as meaning—he does not treat it as mere geopolitics. He confesses, “We have dealt very corruptly… and have not kept the commandments” (1:7), and he appeals to what God had already spoken in the Scriptures about scattering for unfaithfulness and gathering upon repentance (1:8-9). Matthew 16 points Israel to a coming historical sign—temple judgment—meant to force a right reading of Scripture and history. Nehemiah opens with an earlier historical sign—Jerusalem in ruins—meant to do the same. In both cases, the issue is not that God failed to leave evidence. The issue is whether the people will stop being “clueless,” read the sign correctly, internalize what it says about their covenant state, and then return to the Lord in true faith. Crossing Over: From Exile-Space to Covenant-Space The movement across the sea of Galilee (and thus the Jordan-line running through it) pictured a spiritual boundary-those “on the other side” needing to come through Christ. Nehemiah is structured around a grand “crossing” of its own: movement from Persia and the regions “beyond the river” into the land where God's name was set. The restoration work begins when Nehemiah leaves the place of worldly security and goes to the place of covenant accountability. Beware the Leaven: Corrupt Influence Inside the People In Matthew 16, Jesus warns of the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Sadducees—doctrine and influence that works invisibly, spreading through the whole lump until everything is affected. The disciples first think He is speaking about bread, but Jesus corrects them: the danger is not what you eat, but what you absorb. Nehemiah gives a historical picture of that same leaven-principle. The enemy does not remain at the gate. He aims for infiltration—to become familiar, acceptable, even respected within the restored community. During the rebuilding, Nehemiah notes that the nobles were already entangled: “For many in Judah were pledged to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.” (Nehemiah 6:18). The leaven isn't merely threat from outside; it is sympathy and alliance forming inside—compromise that feels normal because it comes through “our own people.” And when that leaven is left unchecked, it advances from relationships to residence. In Nehemiah 13, Tobiah is not simply corresponding with leaders—he is granted an actual chamber in the temple precincts (Nehemiah 13:4-9). The unclean influence in its mature form, so that what begins as tolerated association ends as sanctioned presence. This is exactly the warning Matthew 16 carries forward. Don't misread the matter as “bread,” as though the issue were external details. The real danger is the teaching, the partnerships, the slow drift—leavened thinking that spreads through the body while everyone tells themselves nothing serious is happening, until the holy space itself is compromised. Power, Pride, and the Military Temptation Caesarea Philippi was highlighted as a picture-space: Caesar as deified man; Philippi as leaning on the “horse” principle-military pride. Nehemiah's rebuilding occurs under constant threat. The people must be armed while they build.  They work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other (Nehemiah 4:17-18). But Nehemiah carefully frames this: the sword is not their salvation. Their security is God, and vigilance is obedience. Necessary defense exists, but pride in defense is a snare. The people are restored, yet always at risk of trusting the wall more than the Lord. “Who Do You Say That I Am?” and the Community's Confession In Matthew 16, we have the God assisted confession: “You are the Christ.” Nehemiah contains an extended sequence where Israel is restored not merely by masonry but by identity-confession through God's Word: “So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.” (Nehemiah 8:8). This leads into confession of sin and confession of God's faithfulness (Nehemiah 9). In the Matthew framework: end-times Jews become true “hearers”- not merely readers of signs, but confessors of what the signs meant. 8. Kingdom-Order, and Covenant Enrollment In Matthew 16, everything turns on identity and confession. Israel can offer many assessments of Jesus—prophet, teacher, threat—but the end-times remnant is identified as those who follow Peter's confession: “You are the Christ.” After this, Jesus blesses Peter with a name that ties back to the only sign granted—Bar-Jonah, “son of Jonah.” In other words, Peter typifies the Jews who have heard the sign of Jonah, interpreted their own history rightly, and therefore confess the Messiah they once missed. That confession marks them out as the out-called, and it is on that proclamation that Christ speaks of kingdom entry—the granting of the keys. Nehemiah provides an Old Covenant “control text” for that same movement: a remnant comes to understanding, confession, and then formalized belonging. After the Scriptures are read and the national confession is made (Nehemiah 8-9), the people do not remain in mere emotion or general agreement. They move into enrollment—a defined act of covenant identity: “And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and write it; our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it” (Nehemiah 9:38; detailed in chapter 10). Names are written. Allegiance is publicly owned. Commitments and boundaries are stated. And the Hebrew meaning of these written names themselves bear connection to tribulation period events described in Revelation. In typology terms, Nehemiah shows a keys-of-the-kingdom counterpart in historical form, a concrete act of authorized inclusion into a defined covenant community. As Bar-Jonah represents those who finally hear and identify the true Messiah, the sealed covenant in Nehemiah represents those who finally own and enter the restored order. 9. A Messiah Who Must Suffer: The Offense of God's Way In Matthew 16, Peter stumbles over the suffering plan. The moment Jesus speaks openly about rejection, suffering, and death, Peter tries to correct Him—and Jesus rebukes him sharply. The warning is against demanding a triumphant, expectation-shaped messiah while rejecting the true Messiah as God presents Him—first crucified, then glorified. Nehemiah provides the historical control picture of that same offense. Restoration there advances through obedience under scorn. The workers are mocked (Nehemiah 4:1-3), threatened (4:7-8), and worn down by discouragement (4:10). Yet the work moves forward because they refuse the “easy” path of retreat, silence, or compromise. That is the typological connection: Peter's impulse—“this shall not happen to You”—is the human instinct to reject a deliverance that comes through suffering. Nehemiah's remnant models the opposite posture: they accept that God often brings vindication after humiliation.   10. Deny Yourself: The Cost of Faithfulness Under Pressure In Matthew 16, Jesus' call to deny yourself is not abstract spirituality—it is a demand for costly allegiance. In the end-times picture drawn, it means refusing the survival-instinct that compromises truth, and choosing fidelity to Christ even when it carries temporary loss. Nehemiah provides a clear historical control of that same principle. He refuses the governor's allowance—he will not enrich himself at the people's expense: “I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor” (Nehemiah 5:14-19).  In both cases the work of God is advanced by those willing to serve faithfully even when they could have claimed their rights. Vindication: God's Work Revealed Before Enemies Matthew 16 ends with the thought of the Son of Man coming in glory with His messengers-a public unveiling of reality. Nehemiah contains a miniature version of that unveiling: The wall is finished, and the enemies “perceived that this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:15-16). The point is the pattern: endurance, completion, public recognition that God did it, not man. What is done in faith is later shown to have been of God. A Remnant Standing at the End Some will make it through the tribulation without tasting death when they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. In Nehemiah, the “standing remnant” idea is stated in the narrative milestones that mark survival through the entire pressure campaign to the realized outcome. They survive to completion: “So the wall was finished…” (Nehemiah 6:15). They survive the intimidation campaign and remain in place: after the plot is exposed and collapses, the work continues and the enemies are put to shame (Nehemiah 6:16). They transition from building under threat to ordered life in the city: once the wall is finished, “the doors were set up,” gatekeepers and Levites are appointed, and watch is established (Nehemiah 7:1-3). They are still there as a gathered people at the end of the building phase: “all Israel dwelt in their cities… and all the people gathered themselves together as one man” (Nehemiah 7:73-8:1). They move from completion to public dedication: “at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem…” (Nehemiah 12:27), culminating in corporate worship and rejoicing (Nehemiah 12:43). Nehemiah doesn't just end with “a wall.” It ends with a preserved community—still present, still assembled, moving from survival under pressure (6:15-16) into established order (7:1-3), unified gathering (7:73-8:1), and dedication/worship (12:27, 43). So the narrative picture of a remnant standing is explicit: some make it through, and they stand in what God established. CONCLUSION: Why This is Controlled Typology In Nehemiah, the question is: Will the returned people truly become God's people again-by truth, separation, and covenant fidelity-rather than by mere structure? In Matthew 16, the question becomes sharper and final: Will Israel discern what their own history meant, reject leavened leadership, confess the true Messiah, accept the suffering plan, and endure to the kingdom? Nehemiah gives the Old Covenant restoration pattern in history. Matthew 16 gives the New Covenant restoration petition in prophecy-picture-centered entirely on Jesus: who He is, what He must do, and what His people must endure in the tribulation period. Nehemiah rebuilds a wall around a city.  Matthew 16 reveals the confession upon which Christ builds His out-calling. Lord God, we thank You for Your word-holy, faithful, and true. Give us discernment for the times we live in. Guard us from leaven-quiet compromise, false teaching, and fear-driven counsel that sounds spiritual but serves another master.  Strengthen us to bear reproach, to deny ourselves, and to endure faithfully until Your purposes are complete.  And may all our confidence rest not in walls, not in strength, not in man-but in the name of the Lord our God. Amen.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot curate a selection of songs by artists responding to the current political moment. The hosts also hear selections from the production staff.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Bruce Springsteen, "Streets of Minneapolis," Streets of Minneapolis (Single), Columbia, 2026The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Billy Bragg, "City of Heroes," City of Heroes (Single), Self-Released, 2026Dropkick Murphys, "Who'll Stand With Us," For The People, Dummy Luck, 2025Low Cut Connie, "Livin in the USA," Livin in the USA, Contender, 2026The Neighborhood Kids, "Breaking News," Breaking News (Single), Self-Released, 2026Amy Grant, "The Sixth of January (Yasgur's Farm)," The Sixth of January (Yasgur's Farm) (Single), Thirty Tigers, 2026Carsie Blanton, "Little Flame," Red Album II, Self-Released, 2025Jesse Welles, "No Kings (feat. Joan Baez)," No Kings (feat. Joan Baez) (Single), self-released, 2025Dessa, "Camelot," Camelot (Single), Doomtree, 2025She'll Hunt, "Banning Books," Banning Books (Single), self-released, 2025Smoking Popes, "Allegiance (feat. Scott Lucas)," Allegiance (feat. Scott Lucas) (Single), self-released, 2025Seb Lowe, "Here Come The Aliens!," Here Come The Aliens! (Single), self-released, 2025Bad Bunny, "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii," DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Rimas, 2025Propagandhi, "No Longer Young," At Peace, Epitaph, 2025Kimmortal, "Stop Business As Usual PART 2," Stop Business As Usual PART 2 (Single), self-released, 2024Fishbone, "Last Call in America," Stockholm Syndrome, self-released, 2025The Cars, "Bye Bye Love," The Cars, Elektra, 1978Eddie Vedder, "Hard Sun," Into the Wild, J, 2007Turnstile, "Look Out for Me," Never Enough, Roadrunner, 2025Geese, "Au Pays du Cocaine," Getting Killed, Partisan, 2025R.E.M., "Little America," Reckoning, I.R.S., 1984See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David and Todd reflect on the death of John the Baptist and what his faithfulness reveals about the cost of Kingdom courage in a hostile world. Allegiance to God's kingdom often brings opposition, yet John's life and death point beyond earthly power to the unshakable purposes of God.

Singer-songwriter Jon Guerra joins Mark Labberton to explore devotional songwriting, public faith, and the tension between the kingdom of Jesus and American cultural power. Through music and reflection, Guerra considers how art can hold grief, courage, and hope together in turbulent times. "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." In this episode with Mark Labberton, Guerra reflects on songwriting as prayer, the call to love enemies, and artistic courage in moments of cultural crisis. Together they discuss devotional music, George Herbert's influence, the Beatitudes and American culture, citizenship and immigration imagery, increasing polarization, suffering and grace, and the vocation of Christian artists. Episode Highlights "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." "When Jesus says to love your enemies… he is giving us a means of survival." "This is not sentimentality… the only way to resist becoming what one hates." "My songwriting… would be a means of coming into contact with the invisible God." "Beauty puts us in contact with invisible things." About Jon Guerra Jon Guerra is a singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas, known for devotional music that blends poetry, theology, and contemporary cultural reflection. His albums include Little Songs (2015), Keeper of Days (2020), Ordinary Ways (2023), and American Gospel. Guerra has also composed music for film, including Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life (2019). The son of immigrants from Cuba and Argentina, his work often explores themes of citizenship, prayer, justice, and the teachings of Jesus. His songwriting draws inspiration from figures like George Herbert and Howard Thurman, and seeks to connect spiritual devotion with public life. Helpful Links and Resources Jon Guerra website: https://www.jonguerramusic.com/ American Gospel album: https://jonguerra.bandcamp.com A Hidden Life film: https://www.searchlightpictures.com/ahiddenlife Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman: https://www.beacon.org/Jesus-and-the-Disinherited-P1781.aspx The Porter's Gate: https://www.portersgateworship.com/ Show Notes Devotional songwriting George Herbert influence on the pursuit of prayerful craft "Music for attending to the soul." Monday morning prayer music framing devotional practice Beauty and invisible realities in artistic experience American Gospel song introduction and cultural critique Beatitudes inversion in American culture "How do I give Christ a say in this conversation?" Love Your Enemies composition and album Jesus Howard Thurman's influence on enemy-love theology (Jesus and the Disinherited) Emotional formation through news, anger, and public life Death of ego and kingdom discipleship Kierkegaard and faith beyond ideology Worship as reordering power Kingdom of Jesus song and Pilate encounter Allegiance to a greater kingdom beyond nationalism Citizenship as foreignness imagery Immigrant family background shaping songwriting Citizens song written after 2017 inauguration "Come to you because I'm confused." Five-four musical structure expressing disorientation Groaning beauty and Romans 8 resonance Artists as "holy fools" naming reality Moltmann and theology near the cross Simone Weil: gravity and grace reflection "Love has a million disguises, but winning is simply not one." Hashtags #JonGuerra #DevotionalMusic #LoveYourEnemies #ChristianArt #AmericanGospel #PublicFaith #Jesus #Gospel #SpiritualFormation Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Assurance of Salvation Many people assume they are saved, but lack a deep, confident assurance. They cannot articulate a specific experience or transformation that confirms their salvation. They rely on assumptions rather than a solid foundation of faith. The Pharisees believed they had eternal life because of their knowledge of scripture, but they did not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. They failed to see Christ in the Old Testament, which is full of references and pictures of Him. They knew the scriptures but did not believe in Jesus. It’s not enough to just think you are saved; you must know you are saved. Relying on feelings is unreliable because feelings can fluctuate. Assurance comes from God’s Word and His Spirit working together. Avoid trying to figure out salvation through your own thinking. Salvation is not achieved by accident; it requires being born again. God offers grace to everyone, teaching us to deny ungodliness and live righteously. Some Christians struggle with assurance, but there comes a day when the Holy Spirit and the Word of God confirm their salvation. The goal is to move from thinking you are saved to knowing you are saved. Personal experience: There was a period of wrestling with salvation, but eventually came to a place of knowing through the Word and the Spirit. How to Know You Are Saved These points also reveal if you are not saved. The converse statements are present in the scriptures. Don’t let your mind dictate truth; rely on simple faith and belief from the heart. 1. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:7) If you are saved, you have come out of the darkness of the world and into the light of Christ. When a light is turned on in a dark room, you know it. There is an assurance that the darkness has been dispelled from your life. This is not about intellectual comprehension but about a transformational experience. It’s not about reasoning or understanding the English language. It’s about no longer living in darkness. Personal Testimony: Once lived in darkness, but no longer there. Something happened at salvation that changed everything. It’s not of this world; it’s of God. 2. Keeping His Commandments (1 John 2:3-4) You know that you know Him if you keep His commandments. If you claim to know Him but do not keep His commandments, you are a liar. We often lie to ourselves, convincing ourselves that our sin doesn’t matter. Jesus summarized the commandments as: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you are born again, you will have a desire to keep God’s commandments. If you are not saved, you have no desire to please God. Even though we fail, there is an internal desire to do what God says. When lost, there was no desire to please God, but after salvation, there is a desire to obey Him. Rules from parents were for good, teaching right and wrong. Being born again submits you to the desire to do right. Those who deceive themselves about salvation are still trying to figure it out within themselves. If you are not born again, you won’t stick with it. Flesh is contrary to serving God, but something greater within makes you want to obey God. 3. Keeping His Word (1 John 2:5) If you keep His word, the love of God is perfected in you. You will want to do what He said to do. You will want to keep all of His word, not just the “do’s and don’ts.” Psalm 119: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto, to every word that cometh from him. Every word is beneficial. His Word is hidden in the heart so that you might not sin against God. Thinking about being saved is how you confuse yourself if you have not really been saved. People die every day thinking they are alright with God but have never been born again. 4. Loving Not the World (1 John 2:15-16) If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. James 4:4: If you are a friend of the world, you are an enemy to God. The things of the world include the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. When you are saved, you no longer love the world; you love God. Nothing in the world truly satisfies your soul. Allegiance shifts from following the devil to following God. Salvation is an event, not a process. It happens right here, right now. Your name is written down, and you become a child of God. You cannot love the world and love the Father. You cannot have two masters. If you still love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. The reason for preaching is because you are not yet condemned. God has made a way through the death, resurrection, and shed blood of His Son. A transformation occurs within your life that changes you. 2 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. If you are born again, your love comes, and the love of the world dissipates. 5. Having the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20) You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. When you get saved, the Holy Spirit of God is given to you. The Holy Ghost of God lives inside of you. The first four points are to the heart, but the mind can still get involved. You can think yourself into a righteous position, but God said you never could do that. Your righteousness is filthy rags in His eyes. Being indwelt by the Holy Ghost separates things. You cannot fight that. The Spirit of God bears witness within you. If you have the Holy Spirit, you know it. It’s like having a $100 bill in your pocket; you know you have it. If you get saved, you will know. The Holy Spirit of Christ dwells in you. You are born of the Spirit. The power to beget you was the Spirit. The Holy Spirit purges, cleanses, and seals you. That’s why you cannot be untamed or lost tomorrow. The Holy Spirit did the work; you could not do it yourself. 6. Not Practicing Sin (1 John 3:9) Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin, for His seed remaineth in him. This does not mean you never sin, but that you do not practice sin. You do not live in sin. Those born of God do not live in sin. They may sin and find forgiveness through repentance. But they do not practice it. If you are still practicing your old sins, you are probably not born again. He takes away the desire to do the things of this world and gives you a new desire. What you once loved, you now hate; what you once hated, you now love. Romans 8:9: If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. You do not wake up thinking about partying. If that has not left you, you have never been changed. There is something on the inside that is greater than the world. You can overcome the lust of the world, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. 7. Loving the Brethren (1 John 3:14, 4:7) You know that you have passed from death unto life because you love the brethren. If you hate your brother, you are in darkness even until now. The old song: “It makes me love everybody.” We know that we have passed from death unto life because we keep on loving. Even those who are unlovable. Love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. If the Holy Spirit of God is not dealing with you, you cannot be saved. It is not a thinking thing; it is an order thing. The Holy Spirit of God rests in your soul. The Holy Spirit captures you and explains that you are against God, a sinner, and going to hell. You believe Him. You know you are wrong. If the Holy Spirit of God has said to you that you are lost, in doubt, and want to stay eternally, you are going to be saved. The process starts with knowing that you are lost and asking Him to save you. In that same instant, you can know that you are saved. Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, but they testify of me. If you search the scriptures and do not see Christ, you are not saved. Stay with us if you are not right with God.

Captain Picard gets trapped in an alien test of leadership and we get trapped on Pluto TV reruns discussing the taste of Jell-O hockey pucks and whether aliens would understand male pattern baldness. This is the first episode of BrickBRKer's "Bricked Up For Beast Men" Collection as chosen by and voted on by our patrons! You can join in and tell us what to watch by becoming a patron today! SUPPORT US ON PATREON WITH YOUR LATINUM! - www.patreon.com/mclasspodcast Need info about the show? Find it at www.mclasspodcast.com Follow us on BlueSky: @MClassPodcast.bsky.social And/or follow our personal accounts: jeffpennington.bsky.social joshhenderson.bsky.social Opening Theme by VidaZen Editing by Josh Henderson Art by Jeff Pennington

Worship with us 9 + 11am 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010 https://flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit This sermon from Flourishing Grace Church centers on Luke 18:18–30 and the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler, a passage that confronts one of the most common spiritual questions people carry beneath the surface of everyday life: Am I okay. Preaching from the Gospel of Luke, Josh Brown explores how this question often drives us toward self validation, performance, and control rather than toward true surrender and faith in Jesus Christ. The message challenges listeners to examine the subtle ways we seek reassurance through morality, success, comfort, wealth, or religious activity instead of trusting fully in God's grace. The rich young ruler approaches Jesus with what sounds like a sincere spiritual question about inheriting eternal life, yet Jesus exposes a deeper issue of the heart. Rather than asking how to be saved, the ruler is seeking confirmation that he is already good enough. Jesus responds not by offering affirmation but by calling for allegiance. This sermon explains how Jesus lovingly disrupts self confidence and exposes whatever sits on the throne of our lives, whether money, control, family, identity, or comfort. The call to sell possessions and follow Christ is not a universal command to poverty, but a targeted invitation to release false saviors and trust Jesus as Lord. Throughout the message, the sermon highlights the difference between wanting Jesus to reassure us and wanting Jesus to rule us. Drawing from Luke's narrative, it shows how wealth and self sufficiency can function as rival saviors that promise security but leave us spiritually bound. Jesus' words about the camel and the eye of the needle are not meant to offer a clever solution, but to shut the door on pride and self reliance. Salvation is impossible through human effort, moral achievement, or religious performance, yet it is fully possible through God's power and grace. The heart of the gospel is clearly presented as a gift, not a wage. Eternal life is not earned by those who perform well, but given freely to those who come empty handed, repentant, and dependent on Christ. This sermon emphasizes that Jesus not only calls for surrender but also pays for our rebellion through the cross and resurrection. The statement that what is impossible with man is possible with God is presented as a declaration of salvation, not motivational advice. The message also addresses the cost and reward of following Jesus. While allegiance to Christ may involve real losses in comfort, approval, or control, Jesus promises a greater gain both now and in the age to come. Following Jesus brings a new family, a new identity, a new purpose, and participation in the kingdom of God. This is not a call to misery, but an invitation into freedom, life, and lasting joy. This sermon invites listeners to reflect honestly on what they run to when Jesus feels insufficient and to allow God to expose and heal misplaced trust. It is a call away from striving and performance and toward repentance, faith, and rest in the grace of God. Whether you are new to church, exploring Christianity, or have been following Jesus for years, this message from Luke 18 challenges and encourages believers to lay down false kings and trust fully in Christ, the only one who can save, heal, and give eternal life.

Ian Weber, Student PastorGrand Parkway Baptist ChurchWhat Allegiance to God Looks LikeMatthew 6:19-241. What do we treasure v.19-21a. Bad investments v.19⁃ Moth = anything nature can destroy⁃ Rust = anything time can decay⁃ Thieves = anything that can be taken without warningb. Good investments v.20c. Your heart follows your treasure v.212. What do our eyes see? v.22-23a. Healthy eyes bring light to the bodyb. Bad eyes bring darkness to the bodyc. Don't confuse the two3. Who is our master? v.24a. Good masterb. Bad masterc. Everyone is a slave to somethingMental Worship...1)What earthly treasures are most tempting for you to spiritually invest in? Why?2)Where do you find yourself spiritually investing in heavenly treasures?3)How do you see your heart following your treasures?4)Are your eyes healthy or not? How would you know?5) Who / what are you a slave to?

The father of our house, Apostle Justin, release on Numbers 30-31! Understanding the importance of the words you speak, or don't speak, and how they bind you. Our guardrails are shifting and we need to learn how to walk in our spiritual authority and not allow anything corrupt our covenant with YHWH.

Truth Be Told with Booker Scott – Once a trusted neighbor, Canada now stands at a crossroads as shifting alliances raise alarms in the United States. From shared battlefields and values to authoritarian drift and globalist partnerships, this piece questions whether Canada remains a friend or has become a strategic adversary in a rapidly changing world...

Tonight we're talking through a series of clips that, at first glance, seem unrelated—but they all point to the same quiet truth. Allegiance is being tested, mental health patients are disappearing, the double-income household didn't happen by accident, and surveillance is no longer theoretical. The scenery hasn't changed much lately… and people are starting to feel it in their bones.

Streets stained with blood in Iran, an internet blackout, and a regime silencing dissent—these scenes force a harder question: what kind of ideas build liberty, and which ones destroy it? We connect current events to first principles, tracing how beliefs shape cultures, policies, and the everyday freedoms most of us take for granted.We share reports of mass casualties and censorship, then examine the claim that liberty cannot survive without a moral core rooted in something higher than the state. Along the way, we highlight a Brooklyn sermon that calls for fighting U.S. institutions and ask how societies should respond when rhetoric openly rejects the civic order. From there, we step into Scripture: 1 Peter 3 reframes marriage around inner character and mutual honor, while the parable of the vineyard workers humbles pride and reminds us that grace, not seniority, opens the gate to eternal life. A brief Medal of Honor spotlight on Felix Branigan anchors virtue in real sacrifice amid the chaos of the Civil War.We close by revisiting Theodore Roosevelt's sharp warning against hyphenated Americanism. Allegiance, not ancestry, makes a people. That insight feels urgent today, as identity labels multiply and loyalties splinter. The invitation is simple: recover a shared American identity tied to the founding principles of justice, service, and Christ-centered virtue. If we want a nation worthy of our children, we need homes shaped by grace, leaders bounded by humility, and citizens committed to the common good.If this conversation moves you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your voice helps keep these ideas in the public square and this community growing.#Iran #TeddyRoosevelt #DailyScriptureSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe Countryside Book Series https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2

Who Then Can be Saved?, part 4: Salvation by Faith (and Allegiance) Alone

We live more connected than ever, yet many of us feel unseen, unknown, and alone. In this opening talk of our Shared Life series, we explore why loneliness has become so normal — and how the gospel offers something deeper than thin connection. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Philippians, this sermon invites us to rediscover koinōnia: a shared life that starts with a shared allegiance to Jesus, because the Gospel is a message about belonging already given.

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the culture wars and our approach to them. God will win. Our job is to conduct ourselves honorably and trust God to bring justice.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=24184The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

If you've ever watched your child's mood shift the moment they step into a handoff…Or felt the sting of being kept at arm's length for reasons you can't explain… You're not imagining it. In blended families, kids often carry emotional burdens they were never meant to hold.In this episode, we name two of the most common “under-the-surface” struggles: loyalty binds (when a child feels torn between a bio parent and a stepparent) and parental allegiance (when a child feels pressure to align with one parent over the other). We share real-life stories, including the quiet pain behind the rejection of a stepparent's sweet gesture, and the way a joyful moment can suddenly collapse into guilt after a call with the other parent.But we don't stop at awareness. We give you a plan. We'll help you slow down, step into your child's shoes, and create emotional safety. We'll help step-parents stay hopeful and keep expectations realistic. And we'll challenge bio parents to protect their kids from adult tension by choosing the neutral zone (where curiosity lowers the temperature and kids are freed to love without feeling responsible for anyone's emotions).The win isn't perfect co-parenting or flawless moments.  It's this: kids get out of the middle, pressure starts to lift, and your home has room for trust, connection, and peace to grow. You'll Discover:The difference between a loyalty bind and parental allegiance, and how each one shows up in real life. How emotion coaching helps your child process hard feelings without forcing apologies or rushing an unrealistic "fix".  What step-parents can do to cope with rejection (and why “crockpot bonding” protects your heart and builds trust over time). The subtle ways parents accidentally tighten the bind and what to say/do instead to keep kids free to love everyone in both homes. How to find and stay in the neutral zone when insecurity, fear, jealousy, or discomfort hits.  Resources from this Episode:Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patricia PapernowEpisode 222.  Step-by-Step Guide:  Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (part 1 of 2)Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtEpisode 161.  How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]  Episode 210.  Is your child pulling away?  Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and LoveEpisode 211.  8 Warning Signs Your Ex Is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and MindReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

The Offseason Team Previews from free agency, team need scores, and highlight statistics from the 2025 season. In this episode, the Minnesota Vikings. Get 400+ premium podcasts by signing up at www.UTHDynasty.com as a General Manager PLUS subscriber. Also, get access to exclusive shows and deep data dive content from Chad Parsons (and a VIP Chat with the best dynasty owners on the planet) by signing up as an All-Pro at www.Patreon.com/UTH. Thanks for listening, and keep building those dynasties! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Mike and Tim as they dive into a lively discussion about the essence of family, identity, and faith. In this episode, they explore the concept of "adoption to sonship" and how it redefines our understanding of belonging and community. With humor and depth, they challenge traditional views and invite listeners to consider a broader perspective on what it means to be part of a spiritual family. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends theology with everyday life, all wrapped in the warmth of the holiday spirit. In this conversation, the hosts explore the themes of faith, family, and community within Christianity, emphasizing the importance of understanding God as a father and the implications of adoption and sonship. They discuss the cultural context of Jesus' teachings, the role of individualism versus community, and the concept of loyalty to God's family. The conversation also touches on the distinction between bounded and centered sets in faith, ultimately inviting listeners to engage in a communal journey of faith. Takeaways: Christian nationalism is alive and well. Father is a status word, not a gender word. To be a part of Jesus is to be a part of his people. Jesus is not your personal savior. We're playing soccer, not rugby. The early Christians did not sharply distinguish between commitment to God and commitment to God's family. Salvation is a social reunification. You cannot be a part of two groups. Loyalty to God is loyalty to God's people. We are playing soccer, not rugby. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Christmas Spirit 03:06 Exploring the Concept of Fatherhood 06:01 Adoption and Sonship in Christian Theology 09:01 The Role of Family in Identity 12:00 Cultural Perspectives on Individualism vs. Community 15:03 The Significance of Group Dynamics in the Ancient World 17:50 Jesus' Redefinition of Family Relationships 29:47 Redefining Family and Kinship 32:21 The New Family of God 35:05 The Cost of Discipleship 37:28 Understanding Jesus' Hard Teachings 40:32 The Nature of God's Will 43:31 Loyalty and Allegiance in the Kingdom 46:22 Social Reality of Salvation 49:13 Choosing Between Two Families 51:02 Bounded vs. Centered Sets in Faith 58:01 Redefining Loyalties: From Ethnic Identity to Jesus 01:00:59 The Early Church: Community Over Individualism 01:03:55 The Role of Gifts: Individuality for the Collective 01:06:59 Loyalty and Discipleship: The Cost of Following Jesus 01:09:57 Invitation to Play: The Soccer Game of Faith 01:13:00 Boundaries and Inclusion: Redefining Church Membership As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Bill Roggio analyzes the ISIS allegiance of Australian shooters, distinguishing ISIS's immediate caliphate goals from Al-Qaeda's patient state-building. He warns that while Al-Qaeda focuses on consolidating control in places like Somalia(Al-Shabaab), they remain a potent global threat capable of launching external attacks when strategically advantageous. 1842 Afghanistan